engine oils in air intake filter

[Anton Wilson]

I own a 1996 Catalina 36 sail # 1510. A dream to own and sail.When I am not sailing and using the iron genny I have been noticing that I am getting some blowback of engine oil through the air intake filter. This can create quite a mess in the engine compartment unless I keep on top of it. This has been going on for approx 1 year now. Engine oil levels are good and the boat in running fine.....Any suggestions..ThanksAnton Wilsonaboard Feelinirie

 

[John]

Perhaps

Anton, there are a few mechanical reasons for blowback thru the air intake. What make, model, # of cylinders and horsepower engine do you have? Is the air filter mounted on the air intake facing vertivle or horizontal with respect to the cabin floor?If so, does it get loaded with oil and drip or blow out with force? Have you observed the oil blowing out? Is it a mist or a drip? How often and do you add oil? What weight (30 weight/multi weight etc) and how much do you add if you do add? How far up the dip stick do you maintain level? Do you motorsail (run engine while sailing)? If so, are you heeling at that time or sailing flat?Hope this isnt too much and too long. Im sure there are other sailors that will want to reply to you also. I sail a catalina 30 with a one cylinder yanmar diesel/ Love the boat and the engine. Also, love your city. Been there several times. Great.John

 

[Anton Wilson]

oil blowback

Thanks for the response. I have a universal m35. I do motorsail quite a bit and have just returned from a 7000nm voyage to Cuba etc. Maybe a usage issue. My filter is horizontal to the floor.the oil is checked regularly and does not need topping off too often. I use a 30 weight commercial oil designed for trucks. this was a recommended by a local .I think it is more of a drip than a blow out. But the engine compartment walls get wet as well some maybe a combination.Toronto....Much nicer in the summer monthsAnton

 

[Bill N]

oil pretty heavy -- consider upgraded air filter

Might your engine breather hose be clogged?My 1988 Catalina 30 with the Universal M25XP has a breather hose which connects to the valve cover and just hangs down along the port side of the engine.Also, there is an upgraded air filter housing available for my M25XP which has a complete metal housing, eliminating the foam wrap-around. If the same is available for your engine, it might also eliminate your problem.Lastly, albeit recommended, I am puzzled at the use of a 30 fixed-weight oil in your colder environment, unless this was to just try and stop the 'blow-by'. I must wonder if your rings have not/will not suffered some damage as a result.I use Castrol Syntec 10w40 which is CF rated (remember many oils ARE NOT diesel rated for a reason -- e.g. C?).Hope this helps..

 

[Ron]

emulsion

Do you have any emulsion (face cream) in the oil? I once had a head gasket blow and the oil shot out through the breather. Long story and different engine.